How has BioWare's latest instalment to Mass Effect earned a 'Mature' rating from the ESRB? Wonder no more, they've dished the goods. It's still got some "alien/human" hip gyration, but specifics are "never depicted". We can expect "pools of blood" during our tour of duty.
EA has released 9 new screenshots for Mass Effect 2. See them here.
It was thought left in a dark foreboding alley somewhere but BioWare's Chris Priestly has confirmed its back, much to the delight of Shepards. New Game + was being left out but the team has managed to sneak it back in. Mass Effect 2 is already 'open ended' unlike the first game.
Casey Hudson of BioWare has said one of the "big improvements" with Mass Effect 2 is the support they built for new downloadable content. In fact the first piece will be "pretty shortly after" its release later this month. The studio has already begun work on Mass Effect 3's story.
Bioware has confirmed via Twitter that it will be releasing free DLC ready for the launch of Mass Effect 2 on January 26. "Addressing rumors: BioWare will not be charging extra for any new Mass Effect 2 content on launch day. More DLC details next week." said the firm on Twitter. Mass Effect 2 will release for PC and Xbox 360 on January 26. Check back soon for our full review.
Project director Casey Hudson of developer BioWare has confirmed that Mass Effect will conclude its trilogy during the Xbox 360's lifecycle. Hudson says Xbox 360 will obviously "run out of time at some point," but there's enough life left for Mass Effect 3 "on that platform." Hooray.
Co-founder Dr Greg Zeschuk of BioWare says the studio will be continuing with Mass Effect even when the current trilogy's story arc concludes. They have their "work cut out" for them putting Mass Effect 3 together he admits, mainly for all those player decisions and their consequences.
Project director Casey Hudson of BioWare confirms something we pretty much already knew, that Hollywood is salivating over Mass Effect. Hudson says the team "don't just want" a movie to come out, they'd want "a great movie" - if such a thing was to "get done at all." They'll wait.
BioWare's Mass Effect 2 releases this week on Xbox 360 and PC, and both have two discs in their packaging. The former requires a swap. The first disc covers the beginning and end of the game, while the second handles the middle portions. Eliminates "multiple" disc swaps.
EA and BioWare have gone live with downloadable content for Mass Effect 2 over Xbox Live, which includes the Normandy Crash Site mission. Aside from this bonus "salvage and recovery" operation, new gear will be available too like the Blood Dragon Armour, from Dragon Age: Origins.
BioWare's Mass Effect 2 maybe getting critical reception, but right now fans are less than pleased with DLC problems they're facing with it. Entering redeem codes to get access to exclusive gear is proving a headache for some. No helmetless option for armour has angered too.
BioWare has much to be pleased about with Mass Effect 2. It's been received super well and is on fire at the charts. The UK crowns it King. With just 2 days at the shops it climbed to the UK chart's top. It's doubled Mass Effect's Xbox 360 sales, and tripled its PC interest. Woot!
No, Mass Effect 2 won't be fighting the Collectors on the PlayStation 3 despite nosey fans having found some "PS3 code" in the game. BioWare's Chris Priestly points out that the "Unreal Engine is cross platform", that's why it was found. Mass Effect 2 is for "PC and Xbox 360."
For those who have activated the Cerberus Network for Mass Effect 2, the in-game news feed system, more "free" DLC is on the way. BioWare tells us to "stay tuned" for more details on what that is. More weapons, armour and exploration would be good. Hover tank anyone?
If you're playing BioWare's Mass Effect 2 on a SDTV and are having trouble making out the small interface text, well, it's tough luck I'm afraid. BioWare says it affects only a "small portion" of SDTVs, but they can't resolve the problem through an update. They'll try to avoid it next time.
BioWare's Mass Effect 2 is proving a heavy hitter as it keeps the UK chart top spot, fending off Ubi's Just Dance and Acti's Modern Warfare 2. EA's latest release, Dante's Inferno, enters the chart at number 4. Atari's Star Trek Online has missed the top ten club, reaching number 11.
Developer BioWare has some big Mass Effect thingy planned for early 2011 tease EA, so keep watch between January 1st and March 31st. Could this be Mass Effect 3 already? Casey Hudson said they wanted a "fairly short turnaround" for the final piece of the trilogy.
Ray Muzyka of BioWare, that's Dr. Muzyka, has reaffirmed how committed they are to Dragon Age and Mass Effect with "dedicated investment". BioWare have "stand alone products, expansion packs" in mind for their "long-term plans" for both new IPs. New gear DLC launched recently.
DFC Intelligence estimates Mass Effect 2 from BioWare moved 1.1m units, compared with its closest competitor, Army of Two, at just 175k. The 40th Day, also from publisher EA, just couldn't cut it. Capcom's Dark Void pulled in 22,000 with THQ's Darksiders at 150k say DFC.
EA and developer BioWare are likely choking back tears as Mass Effect 2 has been hailed the best-selling January release so far in the industry. It sold 572,000 copies in the US, having been on sale for just 6 days. PS2's NFL Street in 2004 held the record until now, selling 325k.